Shinji Kagawa Had A Dream Debut With Besiktas Last Night

Shinji Kagawa had a dream Besiktas debut last night, scoring twice in a stunning cameo for his new side.

The Japanese ace looked set to Monaco but things stalled and he instead signed on loan for the Turkish outfit until the end of the season.

He made his bow as a late substitute in the 6-2 drubbing of Antalyaspor, replacing Adem Ljajic in the 81st minute and wasting no time in making his presence felt.

It took just 19 seconds for the former Manchester United midfielder to make history, scoring with first touch to become the Japanese player to notch in the Turkish top flight.

Image: PA

It was a really tidy first goal for Kagawa but he didn't stop there. Just minutes after opening his account, the 29-year old curled in a lovely free-kick to make it two goals from his first two shots on target in Besiktas colours.

SHINJI KAGAWA MADNESS. :fire:

'81 Subbed in.'82 Scored from outside the box'84 Scored a long range free-kick

Kagawa could not have wished for a better start to life in Turkey and will be hoping to continue in the same vein from now until the end of the season.

He struggled for game-time under Lucien Favre this season, making just four appearances in all competitions. So when Kagawa asked about heading out on loan, Dortmund were happy for him to get vital minutes elsewhere.

"Shinji is not only an outstanding football player, but also a great friend of our club," BVB sporting director Michael Zorc said, via Goal.

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.